Gibson Named Executive Director, Nextgen Institute

“The aerospace industry believes strongly in the promise of the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Representing thousands of industry stakeholders in NextGen’s continued success, we’re delighted that someone of Marke Gibson’s caliber and experience will be heading up the Institute,” said Institute Management Council co-chairs Pete Dumont, President and CEO of the Air Traffic Control Association and Capt. Lee Moak, President of the Air Line Pilots Association.

“Strong government/industry collaboration is essential to NextGen’s continued success. Marke has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to bring a diverse group of stakeholders together – government, industry and local constituencies – to achieve important outcomes for aerospace and national security,” said Dr. Karlin Toner, Director of the Joint Planning and Development Office and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation for NextGen Coordination.

In a career spanning several decades serving in the U.S. Air Force, Gibson held a number of senior positions in the Pentagon and in the field. Most recently, he was Director of Current Operations and Training, USAF Headquarters. He also served as the Deputy Commander of the 7th Air Force Korea (Osan, South Korea); Commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska; Wing Commander of the 332nd Expeditionary Wing, Balad, Iraq; and as the Deputy Director of Operations of NORTHCOM.

Gibson also managed his own consultancy business providing advice and expertise to a number of Fortune 500 companies on a wide range of aerospace and defense issues, including UAV integration into the national airspace, cyber security and GPS landing systems.

Gibson is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from the University of Northern Colorado and a Masters Degree in National Security Strategy Studies from the National War College.